Our kind BandB host dropped us off at Clay Bank Top at 8.45 and we started the day with a steep climb to the top of Urra Moor- only 20 minutes of uphill. After that it was hours of walking on a wide track over the moors, this time NOT in the rain. It was cool and overcast but the views began to emerge through the light mist and the heather looked wonderful. We disturbed many red grouse on our way and they would suddenly rise up from the heather making their interesting cackling call. The silence was also punctuated by the bleating of the black faced sheep partially hidden in the heather. Unlike yesterday it was head-up stuff not head-down trudging through the wet.
At noon we arrived at Lion Inn , the 4th highest inn in Britain where we had a welcome sandwich having completed 9 miles at that stage. The Newly Weds , Paul and Nina, walked with us some of the way and we enjoyed chatting to them.
In the afternoon the sun came out and we seemed to be the only people on the moors. What a great delight to see the splendid views today! And great excitement to catch sight of the North Sea. The end is in sight. We are now in an old farmhouse in Glaisdale , very quaint and comfortable and will WALK to the pub tonight for a meal. We understand it's the only pub in these parts so it will be full of Coast to Coasters. Our legs are tired probably because of the cumulative effect of two 20 milers and quite lengthy stretches on the road. Only one day to go - nearly there.
